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A fitting tribute to the potential of tourism in Africa, WTM Africa 2018 has closed its doors to its most successful exhibition to date, with attendees from all over the world, with a 6% increase in pre-scheduled appointments on last year, and a marked growth in exhibitors on previous years.

“WTM Africa 2018 has been a major success with exhibitors and buyers alike already expressing their interest in WTM Africa 2019! We have seen a steady of flow of foot traffic across the exhibition floor over all three days, and record attendance at all of our speaker sessions,” says Chardonnay Marchesi, South Africa Portfolio Director for Reed Exhibitions’ Travel, Tourism & Sports Portfolio.

Image Left: WTM Africa saw travel trade professionals from all over the globe congregating in Cape Town this week.

Key and emerging source markets were represented in buyers and travel professionals from 58 countries, including the Americas, Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern regions from countries such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Australia, China, India, Brazil, Canada and Argentina.

The third day of WTM Africa 2019 saw the continued success of the Speed Networking events, with exhibitors meeting with over 135 buyers to showcase their products.

The focus on digital trends and technology on tourism was highlighted too at the E-Tourism Africa Summit (ETAS), as well as throughout the presentation on the future and challenges of influencer marketing with iambassador.

“Travel and tourism are global businesses with a worldwide market, and it is vital that companies either large or small know and understand how the market is developing and how their customers are using online platforms both for business and leisure. The ETAS discussions give a great snapshot of what is happening globally online for travel and it helps businesses to think about their online priorities for the coming year,” surmised Damian Cook, CEO of E-Tourism Frontiers, who facilitated ETAS.

Image Above: Thompsons Africa at WTM Africa 2018.

Once again, WTM Africa 2018 was delighted to partner with the City of Cape Town. The continued support of the city is a key factor in the success of the show, and the involvement of the City of Cape Town is testament to the importance of WTM Africa 2018 within the tourism landscape.

As part of centenary celebrations of birth of former president, Nelson Mandela, the City of Cape Town announced at WTM Africa that it will be developing a multimedia exhibition to commemorate the life of the former president, his Cape Town connection, and the democratic movement within the city.

Alderman Patricia De Lille, Executive Mayor City of Cape Town revealed: “We will unveil a public artwork of the former President at the City Hall to coincide with his birthday in July 2018. In 2019, on the anniversary of his release and historic address to the world on 11 February 1990, we will open the exhibition. This will contribute to the rich tourist experience that already exists in Cape Town’s historic central city, the oldest urban area in southern Africa.”